Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season?
We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.
We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why, or why not.
Today’s edition features a Barcelona target, a Manchester United outcast and a transfer within La Liga,
NEYMAR
Neymar looks to be on his way out from PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain -> €100 million plus Philippe Coutinho -> Barcelona
Several publications in Spain, such as Marca and RAC1, have reported that Barcelona and PSG are negotiating to facilitate the transfer of Neymar back to the Catalan side.
The two parties met on Tuesday to officially open negotiations, but there was no definitive outcome.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
Neymar’s departure from the French club is all but confirmed – the destination, however, remains undecided. El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid are vying for the player’s signature and it appears that the Catalans are now in the driving seat.
Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal is respected at PSG and although the negotiations did not produce any immediate result, there is a promise of a potential deal by the end of the week.
Besides, the Brazilian prefers to move to his former club and reunite with Lionel Messi over moving to the capital.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
As things stand, PSG want to sell the player to Madrid. While Barcelona are trying to add players to the deal to reduce the transfer fee, the French giants are insisting on cash-heavy payment.
However, PSG are willing to listen to an offer that includes Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo and Philippe Coutinho. The Catalans don’t want to consider this option as the Portuguese has established himself as a starter.
Despite the commencement of formal negotiations, the two clubs are still wide apart in their demands,
TRANSFER RATING: 7/10
RODRIGO MORENO
Valencia -> €60m -> Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are set to bolster their front-line by signing Valencia striker Rodrigo. AS, Marca and Radio Valencia have confirmed that the transfer worth €60m is imminent.
Valencia are reportedly looking for a replacement in the meantime, with Madrid forward Mariano Diaz emerging as an option.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN
It seems that Diego Costa’s injury has reminded Los Rojiblancos that the Spain international is past his prime physically and will not be able to maintain a high level of fitness consistently.
Rodrigo should prove to be an able striking partner for Alvaro Morata, who is fitting in well at his new club. The Spaniard boasts La Liga experience and could blend into the team instantly.
Valencia will be happy to get a good sum out of the deal, as they search the market for a replacement.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Atletico could announce the signing anytime today. It seems unlikely that the deal will fall through, with most publications confirming that the agreement is done.
However, the remote possibility of Valencia doing a U-turn after failing to come up with a replacement can’t be ignored.
TRANSFER RATING: 9/10
MATTEO DARMIAN
Manchester United -> Free transfer -> Inter Milan
United’s out-of-favor full-back Matteo Darmian is set to join Inter Milan as a free agent at the end of the 2019/20 season after an agreement was reached between the player and the Nerazzuri.
Darmian failed to establish himself at the Premier League club, but Inter boss Antonio Conte sees him as a valuable addition to the team. Rai Sport claim that the 29-year-old will reunite with his former national team coach in 2020.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
United will have no say in the matter as Darmian will be shifting base at the end of his contract. This should go a long way in simplifying the transfer.
If reports suggesting that the concerned parties have agreed on terms are to be believed, very little can prevent it from coming through.
Conte is convinced of the Italian’s quality and his versatility could be crucial as Inter look to set up a 3-5-2 with Darmian playing out wide.
WHY IT CAN’T HAPPEN
The deal can’t materialise before Darmian’s contract with United expires. Although the agreements for the transfer are in place, a lot can happen over one year that could hinder this move.
TRANSFER RATING 8/10
